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'Infuriating' footage of Melbourne bar minutes before lockdown

Footage of a large crowd of people packed inside a Melbourne bar minutes before the state entered its fourth Covid lockdown has "infuriated" other melburnians.

The video, shared by Nine News, shows dozens of mask-less people dancing and drinking at the Chapel Street bar at 11:50pm on Thursday.

Just 10 minutes later Victoria entered a 7-day, snap lockdown to halt the spread of two new clusters of the Indian virus variant.

Five new locally acquired cases were announced on Saturday, bringing the total number of active cases in the state to 45.

The shocking video is understood to have been sent to authorities, Nine News reported.

Dozens of mask-less people dancing and drinking at the Chapel Street bar at 11:50pm on Thursday.
The video, shared by Nine News, shows dozens of mask-less people dancing and drinking at the Chapel Street bar at 11:50pm on Thursday. Source: Nine News

A government spokesperson told the publication an investigation will be launched.

"This footage is beyond infuriating - Victorians will be rightly frustrated at these people who selfishly flouted the rules just before lockdown," the spokesperson said.

"Irresponsible gatherings like this put us all at risk - and it's insulting to all the Victorians working hard to prevent another outbreak of coronavirus in our community.

The footage has also caused a stir online.

Some viewers called it “ridiculous”, while others defended the patrons, arguing that the lockdown didn’t start for another 10 minutes.

“Ridiculous. But the lack of QR enforcement at big retailers is sending a signal that it’s unimportant,” one man said.

Victorian protective service officers are seen walking on patrol past a sign to urge people to stay home during lockdown. Source: AP
Five new locally acquired cases were announced on Saturday, bringing the total number of active cases in the state to 45. Source: AP

“Should have made the cut-off 6pm then,” another said.

“But thousands of footy matches last week is ok?” a woman said.

“But before midnight it was legal, even by the government’s own definition. How about the government gets hard on themselves by fast-tracking the vaccine rollout,” a third man chimed in.

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